I have to conduct an Interview next week!
I have never done one for a machinist since our last 2 managers left suddenly. As a lead programmer the operations manager needs me to conduct the interview since we are in dire need of 4 machinist in Orlando, Florida.
Please if anyone has a list of good questions, test or ways I can figure out if he is an actual machinist please let me know!
I would greatly appreciate it!
set an obscure machinists tool in front of him and gauge his reaction. set up a scenario, or hand them a part that he would likely come across in your shop and ask how they would tackle it step by step. even if they do not have that much hands on experience, they may have the innate ability to think fast and learn fast. pay close attention how they talk about past employers, and ask detailed questioned about former responsibilities and any projects that they took lead on. you can also ask novel questions about the most difficult part or material that they ever machined and what they did to get the job done. dont try to stump them, just keep them on their toes.
Thanks Benjamin. I will try to develop some type of basic test then!
Also try to determine whether the person would be a good fit in the culture of the organization. What traits are you looking at that make a great machinist. This person is going to work as part of the team so you want someone that fits into the group. Always look for successive challenges or growth in the past positions. Has there been a gradual increase in responsibility or challenges that one would expect as the person gets deep into the craft.
Did you go to school for programming?
Very important! You are right… It doesn’t matter if he is the best machinist, if he doesn’t match our culture he will cause a “disturbance in the force” lol
No I did not. I learned on my own while operating machines and at home. It was a little more difficult to learn at home though because this was back in 2004 so there wasn’t much youtube or online videos and I learn best with videos.
I had to buy my own training CDs.
Man thats awesome! I been running a manual lathe for a few years now and started operating a cnc lathe almost a year. I to want to program down the road. Any good suggestions on what to watch? Thanks for emailing back.